A tecnologia de microarray no estudo do câncer de cabeça e pescoço

 The microarray technology is a tool for global analysis of gene expression that allows investigating hundreds or thousands of genes in a sample using a hybridization reaction. This technology is based on hybridization between labeled targets derived from biological samples and an array of many DNA probes immobilized on a solid matrix, representing the genes of interest. The simultaneous study of hundreds of genes became the microarray technique a very important tool of global analysis, with applications in several areas, including the study of the development of cancer. Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the fifth most common cancer worldwide, with a global annual incidence of 780,000 new cases. Large-scale studies involving microarrays have identified specific gene expression signatures associated with expression changes in HNSCC samples compared to normal tissue, as well as genes involved in clinical outcome and metastasis. However, the considerable heterogeneity among these studies occurs due to experimental design, number of samples, disease sites and stage, choice of microarray platform and results validation. Thus, there is much to be validated, before the technique has clinical utility. In relation to head and neck neoplasia, the large-scale gene analysis is very important, since the clinical and histopathological methods currently used appear to be insufficient to predict clinical progression and response to treatment. Thus, this approach could result in more effective diagnostic and prognostic and most appropriate therapy for this neoplasia.A tecnologia de microarray é uma ferramenta de análise de expressão gênica que permite investigar a expressão de centenas ou milhares de genes em uma amostra com uma reação de hibridização. A tecnologia de microarray é baseada na hibridação entre alvos marcados derivados de amostras biológicas e uma série de sondas de DNA imobilizadas em uma matriz sólida, que representam os genes de interesse. O estudo de centenas de genes simultaneamente transformou a técnica de microarray em uma ferramenta de análise global muito importante, com aplicações em várias áreas, incluindo o estudo do desenvolvimento de câncer. O carcinoma espinocelular de cabeça e pescoço (HNSCC) é o quinto tipo de câncer mais comum mundialmente, com uma incidência global anual de 780.000 novos casos. Estudos envolvendo microarrays têm identificado assinaturas de expressão gênica associadas a alterações em amostras de HNSCC em comparação com tecido normal, bem como genes envolvidos na evolução clínica e metástase. No entanto, há grande heterogeneidade entre estes estudos em termos de desenho, número de amostras, sítios e estágio da doença, escolha de plataforma e validação dos resultados. Assim, há muito a ser validado, antes que a técnica tenha utilidade clínica. Em relação ao câncer de cabeça e pescoço, a análise gênica em larga escala pode ser extremamente importante, uma vez que os métodos clínicos e histopatológicos utilizados atualmente parecem ser insuficientes para predizer evolução clínica e resposta ao tratamento. Assim, esta abordagem pode resultar em diagnósticos e prognósticos mais efetivos e em terapias mais adequadas para esta neoplasia

Hepatitis C virus molecular evolution: Transmission, disease progression and antiviral therapy

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection represents an important public health problem worldwide. Reduction of HCV morbidity and mortality is a current challenge owned to several viral and host factors. Virus molecular evolution plays an important role in HCV transmission, disease progression and therapy outcome. The high degree of genetic heterogeneity characteristic of HCV is a key element for the rapid adaptation of the intrahost viral population to different selection pressures (e.g., host immune responses and antiviral therapy). HCV molecular evolution is shaped by different mechanisms including a high mutation rate, genetic bottlenecks, genetic drift, recombination, temporal variations and compartmentalization. These evolutionary processes constantly rearrange the composition of the HCV intrahost population in a staging manner. Remarkable advances in the understanding of the molecular mechanism controlling HCV replication have facilitated the development of a plethora of direct-acting antiviral agents against HCV. As a result, superior sustained viral responses have been attained. The rapidly evolving field of anti-HCV therapy is expected to broad its landscape even further with newer, more potent antivirals, bringing us one step closer to the interferon-free era.Fil: Preciado, María Victoria. Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires. Hospital General de Niños ; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Valva, Pamela. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires. Hospital General de Niños ; ArgentinaFil: Escobar Gutierrez, Alejandro. Instituto de Diagnóstico y Referencia Epidemiológicos; MéxicoFil: Rahal, Paula. Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho; BrasilFil: Ruiz Tovar, Karina. Instituto de Diagnóstico y Referencia Epidemiológicos; MéxicoFil: Yamasaki, Lilian. Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho; BrasilFil: Vazquez Chacon, Carlos. Instituto de Diagnóstico y Referencia Epidemiológicos; MéxicoFil: Martinez Guarneros, Armando. Instituto de Diagnóstico y Referencia Epidemiológicos; MéxicoFil: Carpio Pedroza, Juan Carlos. Instituto de Diagnóstico y Referencia Epidemiológicos; MéxicoFil: Fonseca Coronado, Salvador. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México; MéxicoFil: Cruz Rivera, Mayra. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México; Méxic

Expression of genes that encode the annexin-1 and galectin-1 proteins in nasal polyposis and their modulation by glucocorticoid

A fisiopatologia da polipose rinossinusal não é totalmente compreendida, apesar de várias hipóteses em relação ao seu processo inflamatório. OBJETIVOS: Estudo prospectivo da expressão dos genes das proteínas, anexina-1 e a galectina-1, que têm ação anti-inflamatória, e sua modulação pelo glicocorticoide. MATERIAL E MÉTODOS: Onze pacientes portadores de polipose rinossinusal tiveram biopsiados seus pólipos em dois momentos: na ausência de glicocorticoide sistêmico, e na sua presença. Nas duas amostras, foi avaliada a expressão desses genes e comparada com a expressão na mucosa nasal normal do meato médio. RESULTADOS: Verificou-se que a média de expressão dos genes que codifica a anexina-1 e galectina-1 estava predominantemente aumentada, independente do uso do glicocorticoide em relação à mucosa nasal controle. Entretanto, nos pólipos sem uso de corticoide, a média de expressão do gene da anexina-1 foi significativamente maior do que nos pólipos que estavam sob uso de glicocorticoide. Com relação à galectina-1 não houve diferença significativa entre as médias de expressão antes e após o uso de glicocorticoide sistêmico. CONCLUSÃO: Os genes apresentaram um aumento da expressão na mucosa nasal polipoide, independente do uso do glicocorticoide, porém a relação destes dois genes das proteínas anti-inflamatórias com o glicocorticoide não ocorreu da mesma maneira.Rhinosinusal polyps physiopathology is not fully understand, despite numerous hypotheses regarding its inflammatory process. AIMS: a prospective study regarding the gene expression of proteins: anexin-1 and galectin-1, which has an anti-inflammatory action and is modulated by steroids. MATERIALS AND METHODS: eleven patients with rhinosinusal polyps suffered a biopsy of their polyps at two moments: in the absence of systemic steroids and during its use. In the two samples we assessed the expression of these genes and compared it to the normal nasal mucosa in the middle meatus. RESULTS: We noticed that the mean expression of the genes which code anexin-1 and galectin-1 was predominantly increased, regardless of the use of steroids in relation to the control nasal mucosa. Notwithstanding, in polyps without the use of steroids, the mean gene expression of anexin-1 was significantly higher than in the polyps which were under the use of steroids. Regarding galectin-1, there was no significant difference between the expression mean values before and after the use of systemic steroids. CONCLUSION: The genes present an expression increase in the polyp mucosa, regardless of the use of steroids; nonetheless, the relationship of these two genes of anti-inflammatory proteins with steroids did not happen the same way

Penile Carcinoma: Risk Factors and Molecular Alterations

Penile carcinoma is a rare, male cancer. Although the incidence of penile carcinoma is very low in Western countries, in some countries, the incidence is significantly greater, with penile carcinoma accounting for ≤10% of all male malignancies. Greater insight has been gained in recent years as to its pathogenesis, the risk factors associated with its development, and the clinical and histological precursor lesions related to this disease. In this review, risk and conditions factors for penile carcinoma, molecular alterations in this type of cancer, histological types, and prognostic factors will be discussed in order to further our understanding of the biology and behavior of this cancer

Human respiratory syncytial virus in children hospitalized for acute lower respiratory infection

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a prevalência e a sazonalidade do vírus respiratório sincicial humano (VRSH) em crianças de 0 a 6 anos hospitalizadas por infecção aguda das vias aéreas inferiores (IVAI) em São José do Rio Preto (SP) e a associação entre faixa etária, diagnóstico e VRSH. MÉTODOS: Entre maio de 2004 e setembro de 2005, foram estudados 290 episódios consecutivos de IVAI adquiridos na comunidade em crianças de 0 a 6 anos internadas no Hospital de Base de São José do Rio Preto. Para identificação do VRSH, foram coletadas amostras de secreção de nasofaringe e realizou-se análise molecular por meio da técnica de RT-PCR. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de VRSH foi de 29,3% nos episódios de IVAI hospitalizados. A IVAI foi frequente em lactentes (mediana de idade = 13,5 meses). O VRSH foi mais frequente nos casos de bronquiolite (64%) e no primeiro ano de vida (35%). Os episódios de infecção por VRSH ocorreram entre o outono e a primavera, com frequência maior em 2004 do que em 2005. Os critérios clínicos e radiológicos não foram suficientes para o diagnóstico de infecção pelo VRSH. Em 78,8% dos episódios de VRSH, houve tratamento com antibiótico. CONCLUSÕES: A prevalência do VRSH em crianças de 0 a 6 anos hospitalizadas por IVAI foi elevada, com predomínio nas mais jovens ou com bronquiolite. A circulação do vírus variou nos dois anos estudados. Os resultados sugerem necessidade de diagnóstico laboratorial do VRSR na prática clínica.OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence and seasonality of human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) in children aged 0 to 6 years, hospitalized with acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI) in São José do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil, and the association between age, diagnosis, and HRSV. METHODS: Between May 2004 and September 2005, we studied 290 consecutive episodes of community-acquired ALRI in children aged 0 to 6 years admitted to the Hospital de Base of São José do Rio Preto. In order to detect HRSV, nasopharyngeal secretion samples were collected and RT-PCR molecular analysis was performed. RESULTS: The HRSV prevalence was 29.3% for the cases of hospitalized patients with ALRI. ALRI was common in infants (median age = 13.5 months). HRSV was more frequent in cases of bronchiolitis (64%) and during the first year of life (35%). Episodes of HRSV infection occurred between fall and spring, showing higher frequency in 2004 than in 2005. Clinical and radiological criteria were not sufficient to establish the diagnosis of infection with HRSV. Antibiotic therapy was used in 78.8% of episodes of HRSV. CONCLUSIONS: There was a high prevalence of HRSV in children aged 0 to 6 years who were hospitalized for ALRI, predominantly in younger patients or those with bronchiolitis. The circulation of the virus varied in the two years studied. Our results suggest the need for laboratory diagnosis of HRSV in the clinical practice

História em Quadrinhos: COVID-19 - O inimigo invisível

Supervised Internship IV, mandatory at undergraduate level, is allowed in several areas of knowledge acording to the curricular structure from Biological Sciences course. The developmnent of this study took place in State School in a city in the northwest of São Paulo, in three steps: the production of the Comic Book, the observation and the teaching part. The Comic Book “COVID-19 - The Invisible Enemy”, which is about the virus SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19, its symptopms, ways of diagnosis and its reactions to the immune system. Furthermore, the reading of the Comic Book was done in group with the students in a more dynamic way to approach the structures, the biological processess and the organism reactions during a virus infection. Nowadays, with the COVID-19 pandemic, the spreading of false information on social media together with the students’ discouragement when it comes to learning about the thematics, due to the names and difficult biological processes and low comprehension of what this mandatory intracellular parasite is, makes the protection of the population - who does not understand about this subject - even more difficult. We consider that, by the end of the internship, the students will be able to understand more about the characteristics of a virus, its propagation, the reactions of the immuune system in an infection and the importance of immunization.O Estágio Curricular Supervisionado, obrigatório na modalidade de Licenciatura, é permitido em diversas áreas do conhecimento de acordo com a estrutura curricular do curso de Ciências Biológicas. Por meio do estágio os profissionais de educação consolidam conhecimentos teóricos com a prática docente na sua formação. Neste contexto, o objetivo deste estudo é produzir uma revista de História em Quadrinhos (HQ) sobre a pandemia Covid-19 para ser utilizada em sala de aula como material de apoio às aulas, tornando o conteúdo mais dinâmico para os estudantes, estimulando o conhecimento científico. O desenvolvimento do presente trabalho aconteceu em uma escola estadual de uma cidade do noroeste paulista e foi constituído de três etapas: produção da História em Quadrinhos, regência de aulas e avaliação. A história produzida foi intitulada “COVID-19 - O inimigo invisível" e abordou os seguintes assuntos: o vírus SARS-CoV-2, a COVID-19 e seus sintomas, formas de diagnóstico e reações do sistema imunológico. O trabalho foi avaliado pela produção de painéis e resposta a questionário de conhecimentos sobre o SARS-Cov-2 e a Covid-19. Resultados mostram que os alunos gostaram da HQ e foram capazes de entender melhor sobre as características de um vírus, sua propagação, as reações do sistema imunológico em uma infecção e a importância da vacinação. Consideramos que a utilização de HQ para o ensino é uma ferramenta adequada e atrai a atenção dos alunos para o assunto a ser desenvolvido

Ovarian Torsion in a Primipara Female Dog in Brazil

Background: Ovarian torsion is a condition which the ovary and the ovarian pedicle twist around the ovary suspensory ligament. No report regarding this condition was reported. The aim of the report was to describe a case of unilateral ovarian torsion in a 2-year-old primipara Golden Retriever dog.Case: A 2-year-old female primipara Golden Retriever dog weighting was referred to the Veterinary Hospital, for purulent vaginal discharge evaluation. The dog was presenting anorexia, weight loss, and intermittent diarrhea and vomiting. A cesarean section was performed nine months before her presentation and the oestrus cycle was recorded six months after the cesarean section. Discomfort was observed during the palpation of the abdomen and purulent vaginal was observed. Vaginal swab was performed and followed by cytological examination. The ultrasonographic examination was consistent with pyometra. The ovariohysterectomy was performed and were observed torsion of the left ovary. The histopathological examination of the left ovary and uterus were consistent with ovary necrosis and pyometra. Ten days after surgery the vaginal discharge had resolved and the sutures were removed. Six months postoperatively the dog revealed no further abnormalities. Grossly, the left ovary had firm consistency, dark red surface and 8 cm diameter. The histopathology examination findings were consistent with a diagnosis of diffuse necrosis of left ovary due to ovarian torsion, and uterinesuppurative inflammatory process - pyometra.Discussion: Ovarian torsion is uncommon in small animals, but can be observed high incidence in pregnant female dogs than in non-pregnant ones. The 360º an asynchronous ovarian torsion described in the present case is also an unusual condition in primipara female dogs due to the smaller stretching of the ovary suspensory ligament. The ovarian torsionis considerate an emergency condition due to acute abdominal pain. The mild abdominal discomfort observed during the physical examination was associated to pyometra or to ovarian torsion. The histopathological findings as hemorrhage, edema and necrosis were associated to compromised arterial circulation and ovarian torsion in late stage. The size of the pregnant uterus and/or the pyometra has contributed to ovary torsion. The dog of the present report had pyometra and previouscesarean sections; and these conditions may have contributed to ovarian torsion. The condition was incidentally found during the ovariohysterectomy, and the ovarian torsion diagnosis was determinate through histopathological examination. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance image could be used to diagnose, furthermore, they were not conducted due to the high cost. The leukocytosis and red blood cells Rouleaux was associated with ovarian necrosis and pyometra.Ovariohysterectomy was the treatment of choice to pyometra and ovarian torsion, and the surgery was performed without ovarian torsion reversion to minimize the reperfusion lesions. Ovarian torsion is a rare event in dogs, and it was clinically diagnosed during the surgery. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of ovarian torsion associate withpyometra in primipara female dogs in Brazil.Keywords: dog, obstetric, ovary, pyometra complex, endometrium